EEOC Releases Updated 'Know Your Rights' Poster

Editor's Note: The EEOC posted an updated version of the new poster on Oct. 20. Please make sure you display the latest version of the poster.​

On Oct. 19, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released an updated "Know Your Rights" poster that informs employees of their rights to be free from unlawful workplace harassment and discrimination under federal law.

The EEOC says the new poster, which replaces the "EEO is the Law" poster, helps employers and employees better understand their legal rights and responsibilities. Covered employers must display the poster in the workplace.

"The new 'Know Your Rights' poster is a win-win for employers and workers alike," EEOC Chair Charlotte A. Burrows said in a statement. "By using plain language and bullet points, the new poster makes it easier for employers to understand their legal responsibilities and for workers to understand their legal rights and how to contact EEOC for assistance."

The poster summarizes federal laws and explains that employees, union members or applicants can file a charge with the EEOC if they suspect they have experienced discrimination. The poster shares information about discrimination based on:

• Race.
• Color.
• Sex.
• Pregnancy and related conditions.
• Sexual orientation.
• Gender identity.
• National origin.
• Religion.
• Age (40 and older).
• Equal pay.
• Disability.
• Genetic information, including family medical history or genetic tests or services.
• Retaliation for filing a charge; reasonably opposing discrimination; or participating in a discrimination lawsuit, investigation or proceeding.

The new poster is available in English and Spanish. The "Know Your Rights" version makes several updates to the older poster, including:

• Using straightforward language and formatting.
• Noting that harassment is a prohibited form of discrimination.
• Clarifying that sex discrimination includes discrimination based on pregnancy and related conditions, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
• Providing information about equal pay discrimination for federal contractors.

It also includes a QR code that enables workers to use their smartphones or other compatible digital devices to quickly access the EEOC's website on how to file a charge.

"The poster advances the EEOC's mission both to prevent unlawful employment discrimination and remedy discrimination when it occurs," Burrows said.

The agency noted that the poster "should be placed in a conspicuous location in the workplace where notices to applicants and employees are customarily posted." The Americans with Disabilities Act requires that such notices be made available in a location that is accessible to applicants and employees with disabilities who have limited mobility.

Covered employers should also consider posting a digital notice on their websites to supplement the physical poster and inform remote or hybrid workers of their rights. The digital version is free to download on the EEOC's website.

[SHRM members-only toolkit: Managing Equal Employment Opportunity]

The EEOC hasn't yet announced a deadline for replacing the "EEOC is the Law" poster, but the agency implores employers to swap out their postings as soon as possible. Covered organizations are subject to fines for noncompliance.

While the number of people filing a discrimination claim with the EEOC has steadily decreased since 2016, more than 61,000 people contacted the agency for alleged discrimination in 2021. Race- and sex-related claims made up 6 in every 10 complaints filed.

Subscribe to SHRM's Labor Law Poster Service and automatically receive agencies' updated posters.